G'baena's Pirates by Rachel Clark Page A

now that Kam was here, her thinking had changed.
    And for that she felt very guilty.
    She wiped the tears from her cheeks, squirming in Kam’s lap in the hopes he would let her go.
    “Shhh, little one, just let me hold you a while longer.”
    “I can’t,” she said quietly, trying to hold back the sob tightening her chest.
    He let her go, his sigh sounding full of regret. She moved away from him, trying to concentrate on being strong, and almost leaped out of her skin when the door chime sounded. G’baena stepped forward when Devlin came through the door, concerned something was wrong, but he simply gathered her in his embrace. G’baena held on tight, uncertain what prompted his behavior, but very grateful he was here.
    “I’m sorry,” he mumbled into her hair.
    “Sorry for what?” She had no idea what he had to be sorry about. She was the one wishing for the impossible and hurting him in the process, so what in the name of the goddess was he talking about?
    Devlin released her and took a step back, his gaze seeking Kam’s briefly before returning to hers.
    “I’m sorry for not understanding. For trying to make you live your life my way.”
    “But you didn’t—”
    He shook his head as he stepped closer and pressed the calloused pad of his finger against her lips. “Yes, I did, and I’m sorry.”
    “But I want to please you.”
    “I know,” he said as he pulled her back into his warm embrace, “but I also know that you want to please Kam, but only me and Kam, not every male on board.” She was shaking her head before she really understood what he was saying. When the truth hit her, she wobbled at the knees.
    “Goddess,” she mumbled under her breath. It was true she hadn’t felt the need or desire to kneel at the feet of any of the males on the ship, including Ben and Trey, the men she’d been trained to obey without question. Shit, she’d even punched Trey in the face when she’d first come on board. None of her behavior since her rescue had been dictated by her upbringing, but rather by her decision, her choice.
    She took a deep breath and smiled, feeling rather awed at her own ability.
    “Kam,” Devlin said as he turned them both to face the other man, “I understand that G’trobian relationships usually involve twin brothers, but would it be possible to work something out for G’baena’s sake?”

    * * * *

    Goddess, was he dreaming? Kam was sure he was standing in the middle of the room with his mouth hanging open. He’d watched Devlin and G’baena as he’d tried to rein in his own emotions. It was obvious that they loved each other deeply, despite their differences, and Kam had resigned himself to being on the outside looking in.
    Since Ky had died, it was pretty much the sum total of his life. Outside looking in.
    So he hadn’t expected Devlin’s offer.
    “Yes,” he said, nodding solemnly. “I would like that very much.”
    Devlin released G’baena from his grip and encouraged her into Kam’s arms. She hesitated a moment until Devlin leaned over and whispered something in her ear. She grinned over her shoulder at Devlin and then stepped into Kam’s embrace. Kam held her tightly, breathing deeply as he let his emotions wash over the empathic woman in his arms. She moaned quietly and lifted her face to kiss him gently.
    He stole a glance at Devlin before kissing G’baena again, his tongue running along her soft lips and pressing into her warm mouth. A deep, male groan sounded from the other side of the room, and for a moment, Kam worried that Devlin had changed his mind, but the man’s words were reassuring.
    “That is so hot. Hell, I think I better get going before I jump in and join you two.”
    “Why not stay?” Kam said slowly, wondering how a human would react to the type of love play G’trobians considered normal.
    Devlin looked torn. He seemed to want to stay, but maybe the idea of sharing G’baena’s love would be more appealing to a human if he didn’t